A large twin study from Germany challenges long-held beliefs about the roots of narcissism. Researchers from the University of Münster analyzed data from over 1,300 pairs of twins, their parents, partners, and siblings. They found that narcissistic tendencies are largely inherited, not learned from parenting styles or family environment.
Psychoanalysts have often argued that cold, critical parenting or unrealistic praise in childhood drives narcissism. But this study suggests otherwise: shared environmental factors play only a minor role. Genetics and individual experiences-like peer interactions at school-each account for about 50% of the variance in narcissistic traits.
Lead author Mitja Back says there needs to be a fundamental shift in understanding the sources of narcissism, toward exploring genetics and the interplay between genes and environment. The findings were published in Social Psychological and Personality Science.